Jerry Cans. You want'em, we got'em Here at Morris 4x4 Center
Jerrys cans. That's what we call them because, well, we're Jeep people here at the Morris 4x4 Center. Jerry cans are used primarily for fuel (or, petrol as our Jeep friends overseas like to call it). But they are also designed to carry other liquids and fluids, such as water. The history for the Jerry can goes way back to around the late 1930s. These were developed by a German engineer and by 1939, were stockpiled by the German military in the tens of thousands. (they refer to them as Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister). At the beginning of WWII, the British and Americans copied the design and began producing them for their own troops. This basic design is still being produced today. The "Jerry" can nickname came about because that's what Germans were referred to during WWII. A Jerry can has three handles. A center one, so it can be carried with one hand, and the two outer handles so two people can carry or hold it. The "X" pattern stamped into the sides adds strength, and allows the can to expand and contract with temperature. Unlike most fuel cans of the time, the Jerry can has it's own convenient spout and screw lid, rather than them being separate like most of the unpopular fuel cans made in those days. Jerry cans typically hold 20 Litres, ( 5 U.S gallons ). As Americans, we not only remember Jerry cans from the war, but just about every Military Jeep had at least one on the back or side. Some Jeeps, such as used by the SAS in desert situations, might have as many as six or eight. Some would have fuel inside, some would have water for survival. The cans themselves are made to last, and are very durable. I wouldn't be surprised if the U.S. Army wasn't still using some of the ones from WWII on a daily basis today! As a Jeep owner, if you do any offroading, camping, or long trails, it's always good to have a Jerry can or two with you (one for fuel, maybe one with water, depending on the terrain and distance from civilization). Some Jerry cans are produced in different colors, though the specifications, if there are any, vary from country to country. Most companies try and make a can (whether a plastic or metal container) in a color other than red, to designate it's for a different use other than fuel. For instance, for water, here at Morris 4x4 Center, we carry a blue Jerry can, so it won't be mistaken for a fuel can. (The blue can also has a special liner inside, and can't be used for fuel or chemicals). I've seen where diesel sometimes is used in yellow containers, and the olive drab or desert tan ones, used by the military, could be anything. Of the traditional Jerry cans, we carry three:
- A Red one for fuel
- An olive green one (preferably used for fuel)
- A blue one (for water)
